I’m looking to buy a new(ish) motorcycle. Assuming that a bike with a salvage title has been repaired to running order again, what reasons would I have to avoid buying a bike with a salvage title? If the bike has been repaired, I wouldn’t think that it would require an inordinate amount of maintainence. Thanks for your advice.
The main problem would be hidden frame damage. The people who repair salvaged vehicles are really good at hidding things from naive buyers. Wheels could fall off, the frame could just break apart, etc. in a short time. Plus, the motor may sound great now, but something inside is wearing in an unnatural manner. There are really high risk purchases and you need to be extra careful and have a pro go over it carefully.
A salvage title could be issued for several reasons that may vary by state. Usually it means the cost to repair is more than the value of the vehicle. Frame damage may automatically get a salvage title (anyone?). However if someone has access to cheap parts and labor or is willing to cut a few corners they may decide it is worth it to repair.
A salvage title will also be issued for a vehicle that has been flood damaged. It may run wih minor work but from what I have heard there is a strong possibility that you could have significant electrical problems that are difficult to chase down (with modern computer controlled cars anyway). I am not sure how flood damage would affect a bike.
Any vehicle that is stolen and recovered (After a certain amount of time)(In Mass., to the best of my knowledge) will be issued a salvage title. If a vehicle is stolen and not damaged it could be in perfect condition yet have a salvage title, however I think this is unlikely.
I would definatly have a qualified mechanic check out any bike but particularly one with a salvage title. Try to find out why it has a salvage title. Even if a mechanic cheacks it ou you are still aking a risk and it’s value is much lower than with a clean title. Personally I would not buy it unless it was significantly cheaper than one with a clean title and got a mechanics OK.
I bought one once (a car) but won’t do it anymore because it cost money to get everything checked & then the title shows 'salvage" on it & it would be tricky to get another buyer.
You may also have trouble getting insurance for it. I don’t know how common it is but I’m pretty sure the company I work for will not write insurance for vehicles with salvage titles. I’ll have to check tomorrow.